Understanding 3D Printing Filament: The Basics and Top Brands

3D printing has revolutionized the way we create and prototype, offering endless possibilities from custom gadgets to intricate art pieces. Central to this process is the filament, the material that feeds into your 3D printer to bring your designs to life. In this blog post, we'll cover the basics of 3D printing filament, where to find it, and the top 10 brands to consider for your projects.

What is 3D Printing Filament?

3D printing filament is a thermoplastic material used in fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers. The filament is heated and extruded through a nozzle to build up layers, creating a three-dimensional object. Filaments come in various types, each with unique properties suitable for different applications.

Types of 3D Printing Filament

1. PLA (Polylactic Acid): PLA is the most popular and beginner-friendly filament. It's biodegradable, easy to print with, and available in a variety of colors. However, it has lower heat resistance and can be brittle.

2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS is known for its strength and durability. It's suitable for parts that need to withstand higher temperatures. Printing with ABS requires a heated bed and good ventilation due to the fumes produced.

3. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): PETG combines the ease of printing of PLA with the strength of ABS. It's durable, slightly flexible, and resistant to chemicals and moisture.

4. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): TPU is a flexible filament ideal for creating parts that need to bend or stretch. It's more challenging to print with due to its flexibility.

5. Nylon: Nylon is strong, durable, and slightly flexible. It's great for functional parts and requires careful storage to prevent moisture absorption.

Where to Find 3D Printing Filament

You can find 3D printing filament at online retailers, specialized 3D printing stores, and even some local electronics or hobby shops. Here are some popular online stores where you can purchase filaments:

• Amazon

• MatterHackers

• 3D Prima

• Prusa Research

• Filaments.ca

Top 10 3D Printing Filament Brands

1. Hatchbox

• Known for its high-quality PLA and ABS filaments.

• Available on Amazon.

1. eSun

• Offers a wide range of filaments including PLA, ABS, PETG, and specialty filaments.

• Available on Amazon.

1. Prusament

• Premium filament produced by Prusa Research.

• Available on Prusa Research.

1. MatterHackers

• Provides a variety of filaments including PLA, ABS, and specialty materials.

• Available on MatterHackers.

1. Fillamentum

• High-quality filaments known for their vibrant colors and reliability.

• Available on Amazon and MatterHackers.

1. Polymaker

• Known for innovative materials like PolySmooth and PolyFlex.

• Available on Amazon.

1. ColorFabb

• Offers a wide range of filaments including special blends like wood and metal-filled.

• Available on ColorFabb.

1. Overture

• Budget-friendly filaments with consistent quality.

• Available on Amazon.

1. SainSmart

• Known for its TPU filaments and other specialty materials.

• Available on Amazon.

1. Proto-pasta

• Offers unique filaments like carbon fiber PLA and conductive PLA.

• Available on Proto-pasta.

3D printing filament is the foundation of any successful print. Choosing the right type and brand can significantly affect the quality and properties of your final product. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker, experimenting with different filaments can open up new possibilities for your projects. Happy printing!